1.1.1. Key Features

● Sensing: Perceive surroundings (via sensors).

Sensing is the capability of robots to perceive their environment through sensors. Sensors can detect various stimuli, such as light, sound, temperature, or obstacles. This perception allows robots to gather crucial information about their surroundings, which is necessary for making informed decisions. For example, a robot vacuum uses sensors to detect dirt on the floor and to avoid walls or furniture.

Think of sensing in robots like human senses. Just as we use our eyes to see things around us, robots use sensors to 'see' and understand their environment. For instance, a self-driving car has cameras and radar to detect other cars, pedestrians, and traffic lights, allowing it to navigate safely.

● Computation: Process inputs and make decisions.

Computation in robotics refers to the ability of robots to process the information they receive from their sensors. This involves analyzing data, making calculations, and applying algorithms to determine the appropriate actions to take. For example, when a robot receives sensor data indicating that an object is in its path, it can compute the best way to avoid the object or alter its course.

Imagine you are playing a video game. Your character reacts based on the game environment and what you do with the controller. Similarly, robots compute decisions based on the sensory data received, much like how a game character decides to jump over an obstacle or change direction to avoid aversive situations.

● Actuation: Perform physical actions.

Actuation refers to the physical actions performed by the robot based on the computations it has made. This can include moving parts, driving wheels, lifting arms, or any movement necessary for the robot to interact with its environment or accomplish its tasks. Actuators, which are the components that carry out these actions, include motors, hydraulics, and pneumatic devices.

Think of actuation like the muscles in your body. Just as your brain sends signals to your muscles to move your hand or legs, a robot’s control system sends commands to its actuators to carry out tasks. For instance, a robotic arm in a factory can pick up items and assemble products, similar to how you might use your hands to build a model or piece together a puzzle.

Not all machines are robots, but all robots are machines with autonomy or automation.

This statement clarifies that while all robots are considered machines, not all machines qualify as robots. The defining feature of a robot is its autonomy or automation, which allows it to perform tasks without continuous human intervention. While traditional machines often require constant human control, robots can operate independently, completing predefined tasks or adapting to new challenges.

Consider a washing machine from the past: you have to fill it with water and manually control its cycles. That’s a machine, but it’s not a robot. A modern automatic washing machine, however, can sense the load, select the appropriate wash cycle, and manage water levels autonomously. This self-operation is what makes it more akin to a robot.

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